Portuguese police raid public offices, including central bank, in IT-related probe

Portuguese police raid public offices, including central bank, in IT-related probe

LISBON (Reuters) – Portuguese police on Thursday raided the offices of several public institutions in a corruption probe involving the acquisition of information technology services, including at the Bank of Portugal, which confirmed the searches. Police said in a statement they were carrying out 75 searches in Lisbon, Porto and Braga at homes, accounting firms, company headquarters, and public institutions, targeting employees rather than any h…

The PJ is also carrying out searches at EPAL and the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Justice. In addition, the Government will meet with companies to understand the impact of the US tariffs.

In addition to Banco de Portugal, the National Anti-Corruption Unit also searched the Ministry of Justice. At issue are suspected collusion in the purchase of computer equipment.

The project, now inaugurated by the current Government, was initially sponsored by António Costa. It is at the center of the Public Prosecutor's investigation that would result in the dismissal of the former prime minister.

“Banco de Portugal confirms that an operation by the Judicial Police is under way at its facilities, with your full collaboration,” says the banking supervisor in a clarification published today on his website and that he does not add further details. The PJ is currently searching various public bodies in Lisbon, Porto and Braga for suspicions related to the acquisition of computer services between 2017 and 2025, the authorities announced today.…

The judiciary launched a major search operation with 200 inspectors on the ground.